Should I go ahead with MH?

[koniyakutz]

Hi guys,

I have just setup a 2ft*1.5ft*1.5ft tank and I'm in a dilemma right now regarding lighting issues.

Should I go ahead and get a MH set? I'm thinking of the Atman set(like the one used in AquaMarin's display tank). Although its more expensive, I'm will still be able to reuse the light should I decide to upgrade my tank in the future. Another reason why I'm keen in the Atman MH set is because of aesthetic reasons.

Since I do not have a chiller(tank will be cooled by a fan), I'm afraid the MH will heat-up the water quickly as its near the water surface. Any bros here using a fan to cool a 2ft tank with MH?

I plan to start with soft corals and LPS(maybe) first, will MH be an overkill?

Thanks for yr help

[Nickel]

Allow me to share some thoughts since I have some time on my hands .

For a 2x1.5x1.5 tank, MH will cuase the water temperature to shot up, even with a fan blowing at it. Further, this MH/fan combination will cause so much water evaporation that you will have keep topping it with water continuously, and given the small volume of water in tank, that the parameters will fluatuate like crazy and all your LS/corals may be at risk. This may cost you more in terms of corals/LS replacement and dampen your interest in the hobby.

Planning for future upgrade is good, but for a 2x1.5x1.5 tank and softies/LPS, PL or T5 may be sufficient, depending on what specific corals you are keeping. You may be saving more this approach.

Just my 2cents of opinion.

[koniyakutz]

Some pics of the tank, light borrowed from my 2ft shrimp tank.

Agree with you on water evaporation, I'm using a 55W PL and 80mm fan for my shrimp tank and I'm topping up about 1L of water a day.

I did consider DIY T5 but its ain't cheap, around $200 if I were to DIY myself and I won't be able to reuse it if I upgrade.

I did consider the 2ft Dymax(2*20W T5 NO, B/W tube) and 55W PL but I'm afraid it will not be enough.

[Clownfish]

DIY T5 is achievable at less than $100

look at the horizonventures DIY kit...

T5 tubes like aquaz n dazs r also veri budget

[koniyakutz]

Is 2*24W enough?

Btw, I was thinking of getting the 3ft DIY set so that I can rest the casing + tube on the tank.

[typrobin]

if your tank is 2ft get 2ft t5, no point getting longer ones...

your tank is shallow, 1.5ft, so dun think u need MH...

[tineng]

really depends on what you keep......although 4x24w T5 can keep some SPS ..... dun expect lots of them to color up though.....

its always good to have chiller even if you are only using T5 at least it will keep the temp constant.....

[Clownfish]

Is 2*24W enough? 

Btw, I was thinking of getting the 3ft DIY set so that I can rest the casing + tube on the tank.

2X24W shld be gd enuff for softies....

for betta performance, go for 4x24W lor...

but seriously if ur budget is constraint, do 2X24W first.... anyway, since u r just starting, u wont hav alot of corals... when u hav more in the later part n u need a betta spread of light n increase ur intensity, just add on lor...

no need 3ft T5s... if u wan ur lights to sit, i suggest u get a used 2ft FL housing to convert it... this is the simplest way forgot to mention, if converting from a housin, u can forgo splashproof T5 endcaps as well... u cld prob save $20 from there

[koniyakutz]

Hi guys,

Thanks for sharing, appreciate it.

I will most likely go the T5 route. Went to pasir ris farmway during lunchtime and I saw a set if 2ft 55W PL for $38, tube is 12KK.

Btw, does anyone here have any experience with Dymax T5 NO lights? The 20W*2 set @ $40 looks pretty attractive to me.

[Clownfish]

Hi guys,

Thanks for sharing, appreciate it.

I will most likely go the T5 route. Went to pasir ris farmway during lunchtime and I saw a set if 2ft 55W PL for $38, tube is 12KK.

Btw, does anyone here have any experience with Dymax T5 NO lights? The 20W*2 set @ $40 looks pretty attractive to me.

the dymax one i compared it side by side with T5 HO before...

it's realli not comparable n not recommended

btw, unless there r 2 diff series currently, nowadays dymax T5 NO for 2 ft is only 14W nia...

[jackal]

If you can even think of buyin Atman MH, gettin a chiller especially Resun chiller won't be a problem.